United Way matches first $26,000 in first day of giving campaign

The United Way of Frederick County’s fundraising campaign for COVID-19 emergency relief met its challenge grant match goal on the first day.

The organization launched its emergency relief fund with a goal of $100,000 and $26,000 set aside that would be matched by the Laughlin Family Foundation and Betsy and Michael Day, local philanthropists.

The fund eclipsed the $26,000 mark by 5:45 p.m. Friday. But the campaign got another boost in the form of additional grants that will now match every dollar donated up to slightly more than $60,000.

“We had no idea what to expect,” Ken Oldham, president and CEO of United Way of Frederick County, said Friday. “So we’re very pleased with the first day. This compares to the top days of giving for our Unity Campaign.”

There is no deadline for the campaign, and the United Way will run the campaign throughout the coronavirus outbreak. If they eclipse their $100,000 initial goal, they will up the goal to continue raising funds, Oldham said.

Thank you sevenstons1000 for your feedback. Please allow me to clarify. 100% of every contribution made to COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund will go to relief efforts. A small exception is that third party processing fees such as credit card fees or internet process fees may apply. Checks sent to UWFC, PO Box 307, Frederick, MD 21705 will not occur any third party processing fees. Thank you.

Thank you for your response and efforts. Sevenstones comment may have been a bit cynical but it has some merit. People want to help. Locally we could give vouchers or gift cards from local restaurants to the local food bank. Or similar efforts directly related to our neighborhoods. It might help to know where the money collected by United Way will be distributed. People do want to help and are trying to figure out the best means and methods..

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